2014 jeep cherokee Reviews and News

This is the latest in our new series of short-take reviews, in which we concentrate on a car or truck with a powertrain or trim level not previously detailed. –Ed.

Our first drive of the new Jeep Cherokee was in Moab, Utah, on 4x4 trails that combined challenge and grandeur in equal measure. Clearly, Jeep felt it was important to demonstrate the Cherokee’s off-road chops, and indeed the new Cherokee acquitted itself admirably in its red-rock trial. More recently, we’ve had the opportunity to give the Cherokee a more mundane -- but far more realistic – workout on pavement, where most crossovers, even Jeeps, are consigned to spend their days. We first took a turn in the V-6 version. Now we’ve spent some time with the four-cylinder. How does it stack up?

The Cherokee four-banger is the same 2.4-liter Tigershark found in the Dodge Dart and the 2015 Chrysler 200. Here output is 184 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque.As in the 200, the engine is paired with Chrysler’s new nine-speed automatic transmission.

In the new 200 this powertrain performs well. It’s a different story, however, in the 500-pound-heavier Jeep. The Tigershark clearly labors moving the 4016-pound, four-wheel-drive Cherokee. With the engine’s torque peak coming at 4600 rpm, calls for acceleration regularly send the tach into its upper rev ranges, which is no aural delight. The transmission, which was pretty well behaved in the 200, is busier here and its shift quality isn’t as good. Also, throttle tip-in can be abrupt.

All this might be worth putting up with if the four-cylinder delivered stellar fuel economy, but it doesn’t. With four-wheel drive, the EPA ratings are 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, not much better than the V-6’s 19/27 mpg. In a week of suburban schlepping, I saw an indicated 20 mpg, rising to 23 mpg on a trip to New York City that was mostly parkway driving.

Size-wise and, even more so, weight-wise, the Cherokee doesn’t really line up against other compact crossovers. It’s not surprising, then, that a 184-hp four doesn’t cut it here. The 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 is the better option. Available on all but the base Sport, the V-6 adds $1495 to the price and an additional 87 ponies along with 68 pound-feet of torque (for totals of 271 hp and 239 lb-ft). It’s the clear choice over the four-cylinder.

Our first opportunity to drive the 2014 Jeep Cherokee was in Moab, Utah, where the Trailhawk version showed off-road chops that earned it the brand’s revered “Trail-Rated” badge. This capability helps quell the doubters who say that this unibody crossover based on the same Fiat-sourced platform as the Dodge Dart can never live up to the Cherokee name. However important this kind of rock-crawling, sand-kicking ability may be for Jeep's reputation, it doesn’t matter much to most shoppers in the compact crossover segment. Just look at the best-selling Honda CR-V and Ford Escape: neither crossover even offers a full-time four-wheel-drive system, let alone an available locking rear differential and hill descent control like the Jeep’s. We spent a few weeks in a 2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk to see if even the most off-road-oriented Cherokee can live up to the on-road-biased demands of today’s typical crossover buyer.

This particular Cherokee test car was nearly loaded, with the optional 271-hp, 3.2-liter V-6 engine, the Trailhawk-exclusive Active Drive Lock four-wheel-drive system, and various luxury options like navigation, leather, automatic climate control, and a heated steering wheel—our personal favorite for the way it helps us get through Michigan winters. All of this makes for an as-tested price of $36,120. That’s a lofty sum for sure, but as associate editor Greg Migliore says, “the price is reasonable considering the equipment level, and it does make a style statement.” We’ve yet to come to a consensus on whether or not we like the Cherokee’s controversial, wedge-like front end, but self-proclaimed “Jeep guy” Migliore is in favor of it. It’s a design that looks less extreme in the flesh than in photos.

We weren’t at all torn about our Cherokee’s impressively trimmed interior. The stitched leather and subtle wood and aluminum accents in our upper trim model gave off a high-class, baby-Grand Cherokee vibe. That’s a welcome change from the cheap, plasticky interiors of other compact Jeeps like the Compass, Patriot, and the now-defunct Liberty, which the Cherokee replaces. We found rear-seat room to be competitive with other small crossovers too, although copy editor Rusty Blackwell notes that the Cherokee’s high cargo floor compromises space behind the seats. Lesser Cherokees than the Trailhawk have a compact spare tire in place of our tester’s full-size spare, which opens up more storage space below the cargo floor.

Once underway, the 2014 Jeep Cherokee’s upscale demeanor continues to impress. Despite the aggressive all-terrain tires that come standard on the Trailhawk, the Cherokee is quiet on the highway, composed over potholes and frost heaves, and surprisingly agile through the turns as well. The steering is heavy but accurate, and the Cherokee’s chassis is tuned for a sportier feel than softly sprung competitors like the Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue. Power from the V-6 is “more than adequate,” executive editor Todd Lassa says. He praises the nine-speed automatic for shifting “smoothly and seamlessly.” It appears that the Cherokee’s production delays for last-minute transmission calibration paid off in the end.

“The Cherokee feels bigger and more substantial than the intended competition,” Lassa continues. “Because I drove it 50 miles home in a snowstorm, this CUV's substance felt reassuring.” This sense of solidity is backed up by the Jeep Cherokee’s hefty 300-600 lbs of extra weight compared to other compact crossovers. This hurts fuel economy, despite the nine-speed transmission’s mpg-friendly gearing. We only got an indicated 17 mpg in 200 miles of driving with more time spent on the highway than around town. Non-Trailhawk Cherokee models with lighter-duty four-wheel-drive systems and/or the four-cylinder engine achieve considerably higher EPA mileage ratings, but if Jeep really wants to challenge the class leaders in this area, then the Cherokee needs to lose some weight.

Migliore calls the 2014 Cherokee “a modern SUV that’s right for the times.” The Cherokee has sold extremely well in its first two months, rivaling the popular Wrangler, which was the best-selling Jeep in 2013. After years of getting by with subpar compact Jeeps like the Compass and Patriot, this new Jeep Cherokee finally gives Jeep a crossover that can compete on its own merits.

We're behind the wheel of the new Jeep Cherokee, nose pointed at the sky, our spotter's hands barely visible over the hood. We're at a stair-step climb on the Hell's Revenge trail outside of Moab, Utah, and the Cherokee hesitates briefly as one rear wheel loses contact with terra firma. But then the locked rear differential does its thing, and we lurch forward. As we do, the hood teeter-totters down, the red-rock trail again comes into view, and the Cherokee begins walking itself down the steep slope, at a controlled 0.6 mph.

Moab is home
Moab, of course, is the off-roader's paradise that each spring hosts the Jeep Easter Safari. Jim Morrison, director of Jeep product marketing, describes it as "the home base for the Jeep family." It's no surprise that Jeep has come here for this launch. When the new Cherokee was announced, Jeep traditionalists were up in arms over this transverse engine, front-wheel-drive/four-wheel-drive crossover, which replaces the Liberty. Here in Moab, Jeep is out to prove that the new Cherokee is worthy -- meaning that it earns its chops off road.

For our trail ride, we're driving only the most off-road-ready version of the new Cherokee, the Trailhawk. Its unique front and rear fascias, and one-inch greater ride height, give is better approach and departure angles than its siblings. It also gets tow hooks, skid plates, and, most importantly, Jeep's Active Drive Lock four-wheel-drive system.

3 4WD systems (+ FWD)
Active Drive Lock is one of three 4x4 systems on the new Cherokee. Sport, Latitude, and Limited 4x4 models come standard with Active Drive I, an on-demand 4WD system. (They're also available with front-wheel drive.) Like all Cherokee 4WD systems, it has a clutch to disengage the rear prop shaft to reduce drag. It also comes with hill descent control, and Selec-Terrain, with modes for different pavement/weather conditions and also a sport mode.

The Latitude and Limited can upgrade to the Active Drive II, which adds a two-speed transfer case with low range. Active Drive Lock, which is standard on, and exclusive to, the Trailhawk, adds a locking rear differential and Selec-Speed Control.

Cruise control for off-roading
The latter is a super-cool new feature (available on the 2014 Grand Cherokee as well) that we really appreciated out on Hell's Revenge. It's similar to hill descent control (when you use it, HDC is activated), but it's more like cruise control for extreme off-roading. You push the button to turn it on, and then toggle up and down with the shift lever's plus-minus gate to adjust the speed in 0.6-mph increments, from 0.6 mph to 5.5 mph. You can drive with your feet off the pedals completely, allowing you to concentrate exclusively on wheel placement.

Our drive on the trail was spent almost entirely in Rock mode, with low range and the locking rear differential engaged. We needed every bit of the Trailhawk's 29-degree approach and 32-degree departure angles, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance; even so, we occasionally put the skid plates to work as well. We also called upon the full range of suspension travel: 6.7 inches at the front and 7.8 inches at the rear. The Cherokee rides on Fiat/Chrysler's CUSW platform, but Jeep engineers say they've given it a unique four-wheel independent suspension.

Tigershark or Pentastar
Both Cherokee engines are new to Jeep, and both use Chrysler's brand-new nine-speed automatic. The base 2.4-liter is the Tigershark four-cylinder, which is also just arriving in the Dodge Dart GT. With 184 hp and 171 pound-feet of torque, it's more powerful than the 2.4-liter in the current Patriot/Compass, but it's still overtaxed in the Cherokee, and acceleration is leisurely. We much preferred the V-6, a variant of the Pentastar de-bored to 3.2 liters. With 271 hp and 239 pound-feet, the V-6 provides the oomph that the 4044-pound Cherokee (in 4x4 trim) needs. The nine-speed automatic, however, was kind of a non-issue. Of its nine forward speeds, the top four are overdrive, with ninth at an ultra-tall 0.48:1. In our admittedly brief on-road drive to and from the trailhead, we never got higher than seventh. Interestingly, the plus-minus shift gate does not provide manual up- and downshifts but instead lets you choose a maximum gear.

The Cherokee's wheelbase is close to the Liberty's, but the Cherokee is more than five inches longer, as the transverse engine layout makes for a much greater front overhang. The Cherokee is also lower and wider than the Liberty, although still shy of the Grand Cherokee on both counts. In passenger space, however, the Cherokee rivals its bigger brother; in fact, it has more rear-seat legroom. The interior design shares much with the Grand Cherokee: twin gauges flank a configurable TFT screen; Chrysler's large touch screen sits prominently in the center stack; and big, rubber-edged knobs are used for volume, tuning, and fan speed.

The wilder side
The exterior design, on the other hand, owes nothing to the Grand Cherokee -- or to any other Jeep. Sure, there are a couple of Jeep styling cues: a seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheelhouses, but the whole Jeep form language of flat surfaces is gone, giving the Cherokee a generic-crossover look. Mark Allen, head of Jeep exterior design, says that, whenever the designers presented multiple options, management "kept going for the wilder side." The result may be a little too wild, and undoubtedly has fed the controversy that greeted this new Cherokee.

Controversial though it may be, the Cherokee did convincingly demonstrate on Hell's Revenge is that it can do real-Jeep things. Maybe not to the degree of an old-school Cherokee, but it's still impressive how much ability Jeep engineers have been able to bake into a car-based crossover. And in the mid-size SUV segment, crossovers are where the action is, since they don't demand the fuel-economy and packaging compromises of a truly optimized off-road machine. Jeep's Jim Morrison figures that the Cherokee can easily double the volume of the Liberty -- whether the traditionalists come around or not.

New For 2014

The 2014 Jeep Cherokee is an all-new replacement for the 2012 Jeep Liberty. The Cherokee's polarizing design is especially new and controversial. Jeep debuts a new ZF-sourced nine-speed automatic transmission in the Cherokee.

Vehicle Summary

The 2014 Jeep Cherokee is the most radical-looking production Jeep ever. About the only design cue the Cherokee shares with the rest of the Jeep range is the signature seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel cutouts. Purists, especially those who still love the 1984–2001 “XJ” Cherokee, may bemoan the fact that the new Cherokee rides on a modified Alfa Romeo platform and sends power to the front wheels most of the time, but that platform also gives the Cherokee more rear-seat legroom than the larger Grand Cherokee. We suspect that most crossover shoppers will appreciate the extra space inside more than they will care about which wheels are propelling the vehicle.

Overview

The 2014 Jeep Cherokee plots a new course for Jeep. Instead of wrapping itself in history and committing to another rear-wheel-drive-based 4x4, Jeep is leveraging its relationship with Fiat and using an Alfa Romeo platform to bring its crossovers into the modern era.

Jeep offers one of our favorite infotainment systems in the 2014 Cherokee with Uconnect. The available 8.4-inch touchscreen system controls everything from navigation to stereo to climate-control functions, but there are still (convenient) redundant physical controls for volume, tuning, and climate control.

Of course, the top-of-the-line 4x4 model can tackle the Moab trails that remain Jeep's spiritual home. The 2014 Jeep Cherokee relies on electronic systems for its off-road prowess instead of the old-fashioned mechanical solutions that the Wrangler employs. Instead of air lockers and short gearing, the Cherokee embraces hill-descent control and a Selec-Terrain system that comes with different modes for snow, sand/mud, rocks, and sporty driving. With the electronics deployed, the Cherokee essentially brings cruise control to the world of off-roading, as we discovered in Moab during our first drive.
During our brief test drive, the 2.4-liter I-4 engine, dubbed Tigershark, felt too overworked pushing around the 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The main reason to consider the Tigershark engine -- and its mediocre 184 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque -- is if fuel economy and price are your sole concerns. For most buyers, the 3.2-liter V-6 makes a lot more sense. With 271 hp and 239 lb-ft of torque, the Pentastar V-6 is much better suited to the heavy 4x4 Cherokee's needs.

You'll like:

V-6 engine

Swanky interior

Rear-seat legroom

You won't like:

Nine transmission speeds may be too many

Design isn't for everyone

Underpowered four-cylinder

Key Competitors

We have an idea of what a Jeep is -- nimble, tough, and capable -- and our Four Seasons Cherokee Limited has earned its Jeep name by being nimble on ice, tough on flooded roads, and capable on trails. The consumer-orientated crossover can tough it out when the pavement ends, but we can’t help but come back to a question we asked almost a year ago: Should we have opted for the 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk?

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Warranty

Recalls

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:40

Component

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

Summary

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014 Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured January 16, 2014 to April 8, 2014, Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured January 16, 2014 to April 8, 2014, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT vehicles manufactured February 3, 2014 to April 8, 2014, and Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured March 6, 2014 to April 17, 2014. When the adaptive cruise control is engaged and the driver presses the accelerator pedal to increase the vehicle's speed more than the cruise control system would on its own, the vehicle may continue to accelerate briefly after the accelerator pedal is released.

Consequences

The unintended continued acceleration may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will re-flash the Driver Assistance System Module (DASM), free of charge. The recall began in June 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P31.

Potential Units Affected

6,082

Notes

Chrysler Group LLC

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:40

Component

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

Summary

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014 Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured January 16, 2014 to April 8, 2014, Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured January 16, 2014 to April 8, 2014, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT vehicles manufactured February 3, 2014 to April 8, 2014, and Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured March 6, 2014 to April 17, 2014. When the adaptive cruise control is engaged and the driver presses the accelerator pedal to increase the vehicle's speed more than the cruise control system would on its own, the vehicle may continue to accelerate briefly after the accelerator pedal is released.

Consequences

The unintended continued acceleration may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will re-flash the Driver Assistance System Module (DASM), free of charge. The recall began in June 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P31.

Potential Units Affected

6,082

Notes

Chrysler Group LLC

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:40

Component

SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER

Summary

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014 Jeep Cherokee and Ram 1500 and 2015 Chrysler 200 vehicles. Due to an insufficient weld, the rear shocks may detach from the vehicle at one end and possibly damage other chassis components, the tire or result in reduced braking.

Consequences

Damage to the tire or reduced braking increases the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear shocks and replace any affected ones, free of charge. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P37.

Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify and mail affected owners a USB drive that includes a software update that eliminates the vulnerability, free of charge. Optionally, owners may download the update to their own USB drive from http://www.driveuconnect.com/software-update/ or take their vehicle to a Chrysler dealer for immediate installation. In an effort to mitigate the effects of this security vulnerability, Chrysler has had the wireless service provider close the open cellular connection to the vehicle that provided unauthorized access to the vehicle network. This measure may not have been implemented on all vehicles and does not address access by other means that will be remedied by the software update. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R40.

Potential Units Affected

1,400,000

Notes

Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:50

Component

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Summary

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured January 1, 2013, to November 19, 2014. The affected vehicles may experience unintended side curtain and seat air bag deployment during vehicle operation.

Consequences

If the air bags deploy unexpectedly during vehicle operation, it can increase the risk of personal injury and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will re-flash the occupant restraint control module software, free of charge. The recall began on March 4, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R05.

Potential Units Affected

230,240

Notes

Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:50

Component

AIR BAGS: ROLL PROTECTION

Summary

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured January 1, 2013, to November 19, 2014. The affected vehicles may experience unintended side curtain and seat air bag deployment during vehicle operation.

Consequences

If the air bags deploy unexpectedly during vehicle operation, it can increase the risk of personal injury and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will re-flash the occupant restraint control module software, free of charge. The recall began on March 4, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R05.

Potential Units Affected

230,240

Notes

Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:50

Component

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

Summary

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured January 4, 2013, to February 18, 2015 and equipped with a Power Liftgate option. In the affected vehicles, water may enter the Power Liftgate Control Module and cause a high resistance short circuit in the module.

Consequences

A short circuit in the liftgate control module may result in a fire.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the power liftgate control module and connectors for corrosion, substitute a bolt for the threaded grommet installed to seal an attachment point used in non-power liftgate vehicles and cover the power liftgate control module in a foam water shield, free of charge. The manufacturer has not provided a recall schedule yet. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R27.